Beauford Delaney’s Metamorphosis into Freedom

Beauford Delaney’s Metamorphosis into Freedom  examines the career evolution of modern painter Beauford Delaney (1901–1979) as influenced by the places in which he lived—Knoxville, TN, New York City, and Paris. Also explored is the deep friendship between the artist and writer James Baldwin, and how their ongoing intellectual exchange shaped one another’s creative output and worldview. The works in the exhibition range from Delaney’s portraits to intense abstractions, as he moved from being part of the Harlem Renaissance to embracing the tenets of Abstract Expressionism.

Also included in the exhibition are works by Joseph Delaney, Beauford’s younger brother and a noted painter in his own right.

Exhibition-Related Programs:

Throwback Thursday | Thursday, February 2, 4-8PM

Sunday Studio | Sunday, February 12, 2-4PM

Vision + Verse: Jazz Age Nights | Thursday, February 23, 6-7PM

Throwback Thursday | Thursday, March 2, 4-8PM

Art + Issues: Art Health & Social Justice with CHI Memorial | Thursday, March 9, 6-7:30PM

Family Fun Day | Sunday, March 12, 2-4PM

Art Wise: Curator Stephen Wicks | Thursday, March 16, 6-7PM

Vision + Verse: Delaney and Baldwin | Thursday, March 23, 6-7PM

Throwback Thursday | Thursday, April 6, 4-8PM

Sunday Studio | Sunday, April 9, 2-4PM

10th Annual Student Symposium: Intersecting Queerness | Friday, April 15, 1-2:30PM

"Dimension" Dancing from the Photograph | Thursday, April 27, 6-7PM

Beauford Delaney’s Metamorphosis into Freedom  is organized by the Knoxville Museum of Art, which owns the largest and most comprehensive public collection of Beauford Delaney’s art. Support for the exhibition is generously provided by:

Marketing support provided by a grant from:

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